Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a standout among the most wonderful treks in India. This trek is situated above Sonmarg which lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway.The genuine excellence of Kashmir lies in the shrouded valleys that are not open by street. Until a couple of years back this trek was not available to regular people and has endless excellent high lakes all through its trails. It takes around eight days to do this trek, yet the vistas abandon you with recollections that would endure forever, and since it's a direct level trek, it can be taken up by fit yet beginner trekkers or even some novices.
A significant number of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek are named after divine beings from Hindu folklore and accompany fascinating stories about the source and presence. The most tremendous lakes on this trek are Gangabal, Vishansar, Krishnasar and Gadsar.
DIFFICULTY : Moderate.
MAX AlLTITUDE : 13750 ft
BASE CAMP : Sonmarg
DURATION : 8 Days, 7 nights.
BEST SEASON : July, August and September.
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 1: Srinagar to Sonmarg (9,000ft) (approx. 80km/2 hrs drive)
Day 2: Sonmarg (9,000ft) to Nichnai (12,000ft) (11km trek/6 hrs)
Day 3: Nichnai (11,500ft) to Vishansar Lake (12km trek/6 hrs)
Day 4: Vishansar Lake (12,500ft) to Gadsar (13,750ft) via Gadsar Pass (10km trek/6-8 hrs)
Day 5: Gadsar (12,000ft) to Satsar (12,000ft) (12km trek/4-5 hrs)
Day 6: Satsar (12,000ft) to Twin Lakes of Gangabal (11,500ft) (9km/6 hrs)
Day 7: Buffer day (Explore Gangabal and Nundkol twin lakes)
Day 8: Gangabal (11,500ft) to Naranag (7,450ft) (11km/6 hrs). Drive to Srinagar.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg (9,000ft, 4 hrs)
Day 2: Trek From Sonamarg To Nichnai (11,500ft, 6-7 hrs)
Trail Profile: Steep ascend from Sonamarg to Table Top.Then a gradual trek to Nichnai.
We got up in the morning at around 7, had breakfast and were then driven to the starting point of the trek which is a few kilometres just before Sonamarg. The first part of the trek is a steep ascend up to Table Top. As we trek we can see the famous Sonamarg glaciers and valley in the background. Climbing till table top literally and figuratively takes your breath away. At Table Top there is a small dhaba where you have a couple who make some of the most amazing kahwa. From Table Top to Nichnai the path becomes gradual as we enter a valley. Nichnai is a camping ground next to a stream which ends up in the Sind River. We reached our campsite around 3pm and quickly settled down to have some tea and pakoras.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (12,500ft, 6-7 hrs)
We started our trek after breakfast crossing a stream and then ascended towards the Nichnai Pass. As we ascend, the whole Nichnai valley opens up behind us and there on the left is a small glacial lake-a small taste of things to come ahead on the trek. After crossing Nichnai we descend reaching a flat riverbed with a stream on our right side. A further half an hour walk through a beautiful meadow takes us to our campsite in Vishansar. This the first big alpine lake on our trek. Named after Lord Vishnu, this lake is around a kilometre across. On the far end one can see the small glaciers that feed this lake.
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar (13,750ft, 8 hrs)
Trail Profile: Steep ascent up to the Gadsar Pass. Then descent to Gadsar Campsite.
Today is probably one of the prettiest days on this trek and the longest. Crossing Vishansar, we gradually ascend towards Krishnasar,the other great lake on this climb up to Gadsar. Kishnasar named after Lord Krishna is about the same size as Vishansar and slightly prettier. All these lakes are classified as Oligotrophic lakes(with low organic content and a greater level of oxygen these lakes have very clear and drinkable water). After crossing this beautiful lake we climb towards Gadsar Pass.
At over 4000 metres, this is the most dangerous part of the trek. As we ascend, we can see both the Vishansar and Krishnasar lakes in the background – a sight for soar eyes. After crossing the Gadsar Pass we descend gradually towards the Gadsar lake. On the way we find a beautiful meadow of wild flowers and if your lucky you will be able to spot Himalayan Marmots in the background. Gadsar Lake with its glacier and wild flowers in the background is stunning. One is reminded of Emperor Jehangir’s words “Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto” (If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here). Our camp is an hour from Gadsar lake next to an army camp. The Army Jawans are always happy to meet people in this beautiful but desolate place.
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (12,500ft, 4-5 hrs)
We start off crossing an ice bridge and follow a long gradual trail towards Satsar. On the way you will find small wild strawberries which you can pluck an eat, though not a lot these are an excellent source of vitamin C. As we ascend towards Satsar Pass, we cross a stream. On the top is another army check post where you will have to show your identification. After crossing the check post we slowly walk towards our campsite. On the way we cross a series of small interconnected lakes to our campsite. If you have the energy after reaching your campsite you can cross a stream and ascend towards another pretty lake on the right.
Day 6: Trek from Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes (12,500ft, 6-7 hrs)
Trail Profile: Rocky ascent to the Gaj Pass. Then a steep climb down towards the Gangabal twin lakes.
We start early crossing a rocky terrain full of boulders towards Gaj Pass. The ascent again is steep but is worth it. Once you reach the pass you would know why. In front of us is the great Mount Harmukh. Harmukh and the peaks around it are thought to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and Kashmiris believe human feet can never touch the Harmukh summit. According to legend no poisonous snake exists in parts of the valley from which the peak of Harmukh can be seen.
On either side of Harmukh is Gangabal and Nandkol. Gangabal is the largest and most beautiful lake on this trek. Named after the Ganges, this lake is over 2km across. This lake is sacred to Kashmiri Pandits and a lot of them take part in the Gangabal Harmukh yatra. This place is considered as holy as Haridwar as, in the past, ashes of their ancestors were immersed here.
Day 7: Buffer day for exploration
We are supposed to keep a buffer day during this trek.If the weather gods are with us we can use this day to explore the Gangabal and Nandkol lakes.
Day 8: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (12,500ft, 6 hrs)
Trail Profile: Gradual walk. Then a steep descent to Naranag.
The trail to Naranag is steep. It is very important that you protect your knees and walk slowly taking small steps. This descent is long and arduous, partly because the village seems so near yet takes hours to reach. Naranag is a small picturesque village. Next to the village our the remains of an ancient hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by the 8 century Kashmiri ruler Lalithdatiya Muktadiya. After reaching Naranag you can catch a cab back to Srinagar which is around 2-hour from here.
How To Book Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
There are many travel agents in Kashmir and in other parts of India offering this trek to adventure lovers, however the trek is guided and arranged mostly by local people who are well versed with the climate and the conditions of the trek and the whole area so it is better to book this Kashmir Great Lakes Trek through a local organizer this guy has been trekking since he was born great hands on experience good value for money he also organizes treks for other companies operating outside J&K, if you are booking a trek from a organizer outside J&K chances are that you may meet this guy on the trek as he will be your trek guide.
TIPS FOR KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK:
* Always carry an ID card with you on this trek as you encounter a lot of army camps on the way.
* Always carry a raincoat as the weather can turn at any minute in the mountains and especially on this trek.
* A trekking pole is a necessity as we encounter a lot of steep ascends/descends on this trek and a trekking pole reduces the load on the knees by as much as 30 per cent.
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